365 days without booze... join me?
Discussion
I went out with some new work mates last night and took the car which made it easy to get home.
I didn't really miss the alcohol much at all, and quite enjoyed being "with it" to be honest.
I didn't feel great this morning, but then I'm not used to being out until 3am these days, especially having to go to work today. I can't imagine what I'd have been like if I'd had a skinfull.
I didn't really miss the alcohol much at all, and quite enjoyed being "with it" to be honest.
I didn't feel great this morning, but then I'm not used to being out until 3am these days, especially having to go to work today. I can't imagine what I'd have been like if I'd had a skinfull.
All quiet on the abstinence front? Hope it's going well for folks. I'm doing good - decided since I'm training for a trip to the Himalayas in August I might as well push on dry until then as it'll only benefit the fitness. Work has prevented too much socialising recently,but I have noticed something odd - when we've had friends round for dinner they seem reluctant to tuck into the wine/beer as if it's somehow unfair on me. Anyone else experienced this?
As for stats - I'm over two months now and have dropped to a low of 76.9kg, so the weight loss from less booze calories had begun to tail off and I'm seemingly now limited by exercise and diet, which is exactly how it should be. Fair bit to go on that front, but losing weight and feeling healthier has been an massive incentive to keep going with the wagon ride!
How are the rest of the folks doing?
As for stats - I'm over two months now and have dropped to a low of 76.9kg, so the weight loss from less booze calories had begun to tail off and I'm seemingly now limited by exercise and diet, which is exactly how it should be. Fair bit to go on that front, but losing weight and feeling healthier has been an massive incentive to keep going with the wagon ride!
How are the rest of the folks doing?
Smitters said:
All quiet on the abstinence front? Hope it's going well for folks. I'm doing good - decided since I'm training for a trip to the Himalayas in August I might as well push on dry until then as it'll only benefit the fitness. Work has prevented too much socialising recently,but I have noticed something odd - when we've had friends round for dinner they seem reluctant to tuck into the wine/beer as if it's somehow unfair on me. Anyone else experienced this?
As for stats - I'm over two months now and have dropped to a low of 76.9kg, so the weight loss from less booze calories had begun to tail off and I'm seemingly now limited by exercise and diet, which is exactly how it should be. Fair bit to go on that front, but losing weight and feeling healthier has been an massive incentive to keep going with the wagon ride!
How are the rest of the folks doing?
Hiya chap. Well I'm still dry as a lizards ass on a Saharan desert floor. My weight is still slowly coming down without too much effort on my part.As for stats - I'm over two months now and have dropped to a low of 76.9kg, so the weight loss from less booze calories had begun to tail off and I'm seemingly now limited by exercise and diet, which is exactly how it should be. Fair bit to go on that front, but losing weight and feeling healthier has been an massive incentive to keep going with the wagon ride!
How are the rest of the folks doing?
A few longer term good signs for me. I suggested to the OH we go for a curry Friday night whilst the little one was with friends at Pizza Hut. I realised as I was putting a shirt on getting ready that I was going to a beer venue so to speak. But then realised it had only dawned on me well after the initial thought. That struck me as great.
I meant to write before now and say how impressed I was that you were able to spend so much time in a beer garden watching your mates drink and so on. I really couldn't do that (even now) and would have to change the event or not go I think.
Another good sign is that being about a stone off my ideal weight (aiming for 12st 10lb) my exercise is beginning to increase and found myself on the home treadmill twice last week and out on a family bike ride yesterday. I shall follow the couch to 5k joggers plan as I always used to enjoy jogging/running. My push bike is near to being ready for a bit of bike touring too. Just waiting for this wet spell to pass ideally.
I find there are subtle and natural changes when I stop over an extended period and I enjoy those benefits. Being hang over free and functioning at a higher level in all respects has got to be good.
Well done Smitters. I admire you.
Keep the faith!
Nick
Hey Nick,
Glad to hear you're hanging in there. Top news about beginning to disassociate venues with beer. It was one of my issues too - rugby ground = beer/Friday lunch at work = beer and so on. Regards the pub garden thing, I think the idea of it is sometimes tougher than the reality. Once you get into the banter and have answered all your mates questions, it might go easier than you think. It helps that you have tangible evidence of the upside, in that you're fitter and have lost weight. I found it much harder to explain to people in the first couple of weeks, but now I'm almost 10kg lighter, people get it much more easily. Of course, it'd be crap in a pub garden now mind. Bit wet out.
Like you, I've been increasing my exercise too and feel better for it, but we're going through some tough stuff at work for both the OH and I and boy, do I miss the idea of just heading down the pub for a couple of beers. Been harder the last few weeks than for ages, but I'm still hanging tough. Your idea of a mantra has really helped there. Funny how I didn't realise that a defence mechanism for stress was heading to the pub until I got the urge. I've been running instead, but that works for me as I have no dependants at home, so I can indulge at any time.
I'm still hovering at 76.5-77.5kg, and have been on the wagon a whole 70 days so far. Next big milestone is 100 days, on May 29th.
Glad to hear you're hanging in there. Top news about beginning to disassociate venues with beer. It was one of my issues too - rugby ground = beer/Friday lunch at work = beer and so on. Regards the pub garden thing, I think the idea of it is sometimes tougher than the reality. Once you get into the banter and have answered all your mates questions, it might go easier than you think. It helps that you have tangible evidence of the upside, in that you're fitter and have lost weight. I found it much harder to explain to people in the first couple of weeks, but now I'm almost 10kg lighter, people get it much more easily. Of course, it'd be crap in a pub garden now mind. Bit wet out.
Like you, I've been increasing my exercise too and feel better for it, but we're going through some tough stuff at work for both the OH and I and boy, do I miss the idea of just heading down the pub for a couple of beers. Been harder the last few weeks than for ages, but I'm still hanging tough. Your idea of a mantra has really helped there. Funny how I didn't realise that a defence mechanism for stress was heading to the pub until I got the urge. I've been running instead, but that works for me as I have no dependants at home, so I can indulge at any time.
I'm still hovering at 76.5-77.5kg, and have been on the wagon a whole 70 days so far. Next big milestone is 100 days, on May 29th.
oilandwater said:
Only been off it for a few weeks now, my big test will be Temple Bar in Ireland in June. There will be 12 of us, visiting most of the bars there, we go by taxi so I cant use the 'I'll drive home' excuse. It's going to be a tough call. Any ideas please.
The old antibiotics? To be honest, I'd be tempted to avoid a pub crawl when dry - it will become significantly less fun as the evening progresses, and worst of all, the strippers will look like they are, rather than Pam Anderson at her best.
Ideas for surviving a pub crawl when dry - hmmm. not an easy task but I have a couple of thoughts.
You could always stick the first few pubs then call it a night and plan to do something the next morning, go visit something etc, while the rest of the clan roll about in pain and pick at fry-ups.
Also, if you're serious about staying off booze, then if you feel up to doing a whole night and you make it, it will be a massive confidence boost because every time you think "Cor, I really fancy a pint" you'll have the knowledge you made it through a whole night of temptation already.
On the flip side, if you're not sure, but keen to stay dry, then I'd look at skipping or limiting. Especially if your mates will just rag you endlessly all night about it, which will make it even less fun than watching a herd of drunk people already is.
Anyway, good work for getting to where you are so far. It's far from easy to stay totally dry. I find in a way the rule makes it both easy and hard. Easy as there's no grey area - you know what's allowed and you know what isn't. Hard, because much like putting a box in front of a small child and telling them not to open it, knowing you can't do something makes you want to do it all the more sometimes!
[Newcastle accent]85 days in the no drinking house...[/Newcastle accent] and I'm 76.1kg, fitter than I've been in years and training for both a mountain bike enduro and a trip to the Alps.
You could always stick the first few pubs then call it a night and plan to do something the next morning, go visit something etc, while the rest of the clan roll about in pain and pick at fry-ups.
Also, if you're serious about staying off booze, then if you feel up to doing a whole night and you make it, it will be a massive confidence boost because every time you think "Cor, I really fancy a pint" you'll have the knowledge you made it through a whole night of temptation already.
On the flip side, if you're not sure, but keen to stay dry, then I'd look at skipping or limiting. Especially if your mates will just rag you endlessly all night about it, which will make it even less fun than watching a herd of drunk people already is.
Anyway, good work for getting to where you are so far. It's far from easy to stay totally dry. I find in a way the rule makes it both easy and hard. Easy as there's no grey area - you know what's allowed and you know what isn't. Hard, because much like putting a box in front of a small child and telling them not to open it, knowing you can't do something makes you want to do it all the more sometimes!
[Newcastle accent]85 days in the no drinking house...[/Newcastle accent] and I'm 76.1kg, fitter than I've been in years and training for both a mountain bike enduro and a trip to the Alps.
I know that I would not cope or enjoy going on that pub cruise if I were not drinking. This is a good example of the sort of thing I would avoid like the plague if I were in the early stages of not drinking for a time. If you go I expect you will most likely end up drinking. However, if you do go and not drink that is cool too and as already pointed out a great boost to your 'I can do it' feeling.
Ultimately it'll be up to you. The majority of blokes react as if I've just stepped off a f
king space ship when I say I'm not drinking. Some however are understanding, admiring even.
Last Monday I hit the 6 months mark. Still doing ok, but still getting pangs when the OH sits down with a big glass of white on the weekend. Not fair for me to stop her, but it's like trying to stop smoking and someone puffing away in front of you...not that I smoke. It has caused a bit of friction, but what can I do? We get home delivery from Sainsburys mostly, but walked around the other day and OMG I nearly had a heart attack when I walked past the alcohol section. Another bad experience is waiting in the line at a big Tesco petrol station near me. All the booze is stacked up near the fridge. It just catches me out when I'm not prepared sometimes and it all comes flooding back.
Apart from the odd moment I'm much more balanced as an individual, moods are better, more productive at work, better at my work too. Weight still reducing steadily too which is nice. Did a 22 mile bike ride yesterday which would never have happened if I were drinking the night before. My sleep is good and I'm getting quality sleep too, as opposed to constant late nights and always feeling stretched.
So, on the whole a transformation for the better. Yes I seriously miss a drink at times, even if it's just a couple of beers to chill and enjoy a sunny moment say, but I know where a couple of beers leads and I need to stay on track. Only another 6 months to go before I make a reassessment
Really not sure what will be the outcome at that point. One day at a time or something like that.
Nick
Ultimately it'll be up to you. The majority of blokes react as if I've just stepped off a f
king space ship when I say I'm not drinking. Some however are understanding, admiring even.Last Monday I hit the 6 months mark. Still doing ok, but still getting pangs when the OH sits down with a big glass of white on the weekend. Not fair for me to stop her, but it's like trying to stop smoking and someone puffing away in front of you...not that I smoke. It has caused a bit of friction, but what can I do? We get home delivery from Sainsburys mostly, but walked around the other day and OMG I nearly had a heart attack when I walked past the alcohol section. Another bad experience is waiting in the line at a big Tesco petrol station near me. All the booze is stacked up near the fridge. It just catches me out when I'm not prepared sometimes and it all comes flooding back.
Apart from the odd moment I'm much more balanced as an individual, moods are better, more productive at work, better at my work too. Weight still reducing steadily too which is nice. Did a 22 mile bike ride yesterday which would never have happened if I were drinking the night before. My sleep is good and I'm getting quality sleep too, as opposed to constant late nights and always feeling stretched.
So, on the whole a transformation for the better. Yes I seriously miss a drink at times, even if it's just a couple of beers to chill and enjoy a sunny moment say, but I know where a couple of beers leads and I need to stay on track. Only another 6 months to go before I make a reassessment
Really not sure what will be the outcome at that point. One day at a time or something like that.Nick
Nick et el, this post is majorly inspirational and I really respect you for not only doing it, but sharing on here too. I'm about to start down the same road, I tried (and massively failed) on the 'in moderation' approach and now know that isn't an option. I'm lucky I have a mega supportive gf who's going to be a rock to me and I'm actually excited about the journey (& the money I'll safe and lbs shed!).
I read a quote from teetotal Gerrard Butler (an actor) who said “I can’t remember drinking. When I stopped, I would look at a beer and think how great it would be. I’d get this pang in my stomach to go back out and have fun, but then I’d remember that I used up that right - that I did a full life’s worth of drinking between 14 and 27.” This pretty much sums up where I am (didn't start drinking at 14 though!). And the affect is more summed up by "I had a lot of fun, but what it did cumulatively to my life was not worth it."
I'll keep you updated on how things go
I read a quote from teetotal Gerrard Butler (an actor) who said “I can’t remember drinking. When I stopped, I would look at a beer and think how great it would be. I’d get this pang in my stomach to go back out and have fun, but then I’d remember that I used up that right - that I did a full life’s worth of drinking between 14 and 27.” This pretty much sums up where I am (didn't start drinking at 14 though!). And the affect is more summed up by "I had a lot of fun, but what it did cumulatively to my life was not worth it."
I'll keep you updated on how things go
Petrus1983 said:
Nick et el, this post is majorly inspirational and I really respect you for not only doing it, but sharing on here too. I'm about to start down the same road, I tried (and massively failed) on the 'in moderation' approach and now know that isn't an option. I'm lucky I have a mega supportive gf who's going to be a rock to me and I'm actually excited about the journey (& the money I'll safe and lbs shed!).
I read a quote from teetotal Gerrard Butler (an actor) who said “I can’t remember drinking. When I stopped, I would look at a beer and think how great it would be. I’d get this pang in my stomach to go back out and have fun, but then I’d remember that I used up that right - that I did a full life’s worth of drinking between 14 and 27.” This pretty much sums up where I am (didn't start drinking at 14 though!). And the affect is more summed up by "I had a lot of fun, but what it did cumulatively to my life was not worth it."
I'll keep you updated on how things go
Liking that quote. Well I wish you the very best of luck and strength in your resolve. There are definite highs and lows along the way, but long term highs and benefits are well worth it. I personally have benefited from a clear goal at the outset (365 days). Have a think of stepping stone goals rather than to just stop for a time. I tried that approach endlessly.I read a quote from teetotal Gerrard Butler (an actor) who said “I can’t remember drinking. When I stopped, I would look at a beer and think how great it would be. I’d get this pang in my stomach to go back out and have fun, but then I’d remember that I used up that right - that I did a full life’s worth of drinking between 14 and 27.” This pretty much sums up where I am (didn't start drinking at 14 though!). And the affect is more summed up by "I had a lot of fun, but what it did cumulatively to my life was not worth it."
I'll keep you updated on how things go
I'll watch with interest.
Nick
Hey Nick, I know I have to give up for good, although I'm looking forwards to each anniversary. Alcohol just isn't the friend I once thought it was! I've booked in to see a personal trainer at my gym and I'm looking forwards to spending the time I would have spent at the bar getting really healthy and with my girlfriend instead - I think spring could be a good time to start too as there's so many nice things to do.
Petrus1983 said:
Hey Nick, I know I have to give up for good, although I'm looking forwards to each anniversary. Alcohol just isn't the friend I once thought it was! I've booked in to see a personal trainer at my gym and I'm looking forwards to spending the time I would have spent at the bar getting really healthy and with my girlfriend instead - I think spring could be a good time to start too as there's so many nice things to do.
Well I like your thinking. For me there never seemed to be a particularly good time to stop as I drank most nights and there was always another event around the corner that involved drink!Keep us posted!
Nick
I gave up for 6 months, so have about 6 weeks left.
I have stuck to it, apart from a single mouthful of wine last month - we won a bottle of wine on holiday and my OH told me it was awful - so I tried it and it was fine.
Actually, I've quite enjoyed being alcohol after the first month or so. Giving up for such a long period made it a lot easier to manage temptation - I struggled to give up for a week or two because I'd be thinking, nearly there, or that I could just start again. Having said that I have substituted junk food for booze somewhat.
I'm a little wary of going back to drinking come July to be honest. I want to be able to be an occasional moderate drinker, not sure I will manage it. I don't want to undo the good this has done as I feel a lot better than I used to. However I'd rather not be completely teetotal.
I have stuck to it, apart from a single mouthful of wine last month - we won a bottle of wine on holiday and my OH told me it was awful - so I tried it and it was fine.
Actually, I've quite enjoyed being alcohol after the first month or so. Giving up for such a long period made it a lot easier to manage temptation - I struggled to give up for a week or two because I'd be thinking, nearly there, or that I could just start again. Having said that I have substituted junk food for booze somewhat.
I'm a little wary of going back to drinking come July to be honest. I want to be able to be an occasional moderate drinker, not sure I will manage it. I don't want to undo the good this has done as I feel a lot better than I used to. However I'd rather not be completely teetotal.
Thanks for the tips on the pub crawl. I think I may try the anti-biotic trick.
I started this dry time, as I believe that too much booze can affect bone marrow, and I am scared rigid of leukaemia. My mother-in-law had this and she used to love whiskey in tea every morning and a sherry or two each night. I'm also at an age where things start to go wrong, so I'm trying my best to stave off any potential risks. Thank goodness I don't smoke, I am overweight though.
I started this dry time, as I believe that too much booze can affect bone marrow, and I am scared rigid of leukaemia. My mother-in-law had this and she used to love whiskey in tea every morning and a sherry or two each night. I'm also at an age where things start to go wrong, so I'm trying my best to stave off any potential risks. Thank goodness I don't smoke, I am overweight though.
Petrus1983 said:
Nick et el, this post is majorly inspirational and I really respect you for not only doing it, but sharing on here too. I'm about to start down the same road, I tried (and massively failed) on the 'in moderation' approach and now know that isn't an option. I'm lucky I have a mega supportive gf who's going to be a rock to me and I'm actually excited about the journey (& the money I'll safe and lbs shed!).
I read a quote from teetotal Gerrard Butler (an actor) who said “I can’t remember drinking. When I stopped, I would look at a beer and think how great it would be. I’d get this pang in my stomach to go back out and have fun, but then I’d remember that I used up that right - that I did a full life’s worth of drinking between 14 and 27.” This pretty much sums up where I am (didn't start drinking at 14 though!). And the affect is more summed up by "I had a lot of fun, but what it did cumulatively to my life was not worth it."
I'll keep you updated on how things go
Welcome to the gang. Going cold turkey is hard work, but the benefits are totally worth it. In a matter of weeks, if not days, you'll go through some pretty steep highs and lows, but there are some dramatic changes going on, so it's totally normal. You'll find you sleep better and feel better and you just need to keep reminding yourself what sort of person you want to be and how you want to feel going forwards. If drinking booze doesn't fit with that ideal, as it doesn't with me and sounds like it doesn't with you, then focus on all the good that comes of being dry. Sure, there are negative times, times when you feel left out, or made to feel weird, times when it's easier just to go to bed really early and read a book instead of hovering around the fridge door or obsessing with heading to the pub or the local shop for a four pack. Stuff like that's normal too, but you can take positives from getting through each situation and use each trial to build a really solid foundation, so when you look back at the end of a week, month and so on, you have a path littered with victories. I read a quote from teetotal Gerrard Butler (an actor) who said “I can’t remember drinking. When I stopped, I would look at a beer and think how great it would be. I’d get this pang in my stomach to go back out and have fun, but then I’d remember that I used up that right - that I did a full life’s worth of drinking between 14 and 27.” This pretty much sums up where I am (didn't start drinking at 14 though!). And the affect is more summed up by "I had a lot of fun, but what it did cumulatively to my life was not worth it."
I'll keep you updated on how things go
Nick's made a really good point in setting clear goals. His was awesomely ambitious and credit due for that. For me, a year just seemed too big a step, so I set my sights lower, starting with a month. However, as I've gained will power and mental strength, I've revised up my goal, so I'm currently aiming for the end of August which takes me to about six months, but that seems much more doable with three months behind me than it would have done on day one. I have an ultimate number in mind, but, just like my mantra (also an excellent Nick suggestion), that's just for me.
Good luck and do drop in to share success, grumble about hardships and so on.
@Nick - congratulations on six months! Well impressed. And inspired, as above, to push on to that milestone myself.
This is a doddle! Ok, not really, but after 5 days (well it's a start!) I can honestly say I haven't even been tempted to have a drink, even though I'm going through a majorly stressful time. Knowing that I can't even order the first drink is an easier decision than trying to judge when enough's enough (which was usually several after when enough was enough). Testing times ahead but I'm enjoying things so far - have also let all my friends know that I've stopped drinking too and unsurprisingly they're all supportive of it.
jonah35 said:
chaps, alcohol is fun
Sadly not, it's a poison your body does not need. If you can't go a week or two without a drink you have serious issues. Acetaldehyde ( what your body turns alcohol into ) is rather nasty even in tiny amounts it damages DNA an causes a whole host of other nasties you really don't want to suffer.So please don't say *alcohol is fun* because it's not, getting pissed is fun if your an 18 year old child tho
Hats off to the guys that have stopped, takes serious willpower
pete a said:
superkartracer said:
Total cobbers bud, it's not crystal Meth, i've been dealing with this st for 30 years, first you need to want to stop, then it's easy.
While I do feel sympathy for what must have been a tough childhood by the sound of it, it's definitely not easy if your dad is truly an alcoholic.t for 30 years, first you need to want to stop, then it's easy.Your right that you must want to stop but maybe your anger would be better channeled in continuing to help your dad than to quit drink to spite him.
He's still your dad.
I wish you and your dad all the very best and truly hope he can find sobriety.
Whilst I commend people with the willpower to admit they have a problem, then go on to fix it by doing as the OP has, I have experienced first-hand what an ex-alcoholic is like.
He was a much better person before he became a self-righteous anti-alcohol tw*t which he now is. I no longer have contact with him.
Over the course of 5 years he went from being a terrible alcoholic (this was a bad time) to then having the occasional binge (in-between these he was the nicest bloke) to becoming convinced by the people at AA meetings (not the roadside assistance type) that alcohol is evil and anyone else who drinks it is a fool.
Unfortunately it kind of ruined the blokes' personality. Last I heard, he and his wife were going through a 'rough patch'.
Not really got a point to make in this thread, just pointing out that having an entirely negative view of alcohol makes you a social assh*le who is difficult to be around, be it in a restaurant, pub or even at a home BBQ when you fancy a quick beer. Just because I have more control of myself and I'm able to recognise when to stop drinking he somehow thought that by not drinking at all this made him a better person.
He was a much better person before he became a self-righteous anti-alcohol tw*t which he now is. I no longer have contact with him.
Over the course of 5 years he went from being a terrible alcoholic (this was a bad time) to then having the occasional binge (in-between these he was the nicest bloke) to becoming convinced by the people at AA meetings (not the roadside assistance type) that alcohol is evil and anyone else who drinks it is a fool.
Unfortunately it kind of ruined the blokes' personality. Last I heard, he and his wife were going through a 'rough patch'.
Not really got a point to make in this thread, just pointing out that having an entirely negative view of alcohol makes you a social assh*le who is difficult to be around, be it in a restaurant, pub or even at a home BBQ when you fancy a quick beer. Just because I have more control of myself and I'm able to recognise when to stop drinking he somehow thought that by not drinking at all this made him a better person.
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